Baby Back Carrier – An Option to Baby Pushchairs
A baby back carrier will usually be suitable for children who can sit upright, mostly from the age of 6 months to about 4 years depending on how big they get. They usually come in handy where it’s not practical to use a baby push chair or where you want to leave your hands free to attend to other things. They are also a convenient travel option. They have some obvious advantages:
- Your baby is a little older and wants to see the world around him. A baby back carrier lifts him to a height where he can do this.
- In crowded places, it’s much safer to have baby up off the ground than they would be if they were in a pram or stroller. It keeps them away from people’s feet and legs and even falling objects.
- It’s also made in such a way that it distributes weight unlike a baby back sling.
It has some disadvantages too:
- It might always need someone to help you get it on and off.
- Babies can throw things out of baby back carriers – you must fasten everything you give them with a link
- They can also be quite expensive.
What should you look for in a baby back carrier?
- It should have a sun hood as well as a rain cover so that you can be out in any sort of weather.
- It must have a baby harness safely secured on the inside.
- It must be padded for both you and baby.
- It must be able to stand by itself, but you should never leave baby in there unattended. They could tip over and fall.
- Check that the baby back carrier sits comfortably on your back and then practice putting it on and off and see if you have any difficulty.
- Some come with add-ons that will make life easier for you. They have storage compartments for diapers, bottles and a change of clothing. You may even be able to get a changing mat. Check for all these before you make a decision.
- Always check weight capacity – make sure it can comfortably support your baby.
Before you make that first trip in the baby back carrier, make sure to:
- Read the manual and know how to go about making adjustments.
- Put it on and make all the strap and frame adjustments that you need to. You may need some help with this. If you need to simulate, get a weight that’s close to that of the child.
- Finally, put your baby in. Check what adjustments need to be made. If there are strap adjustments, you can make them with the baby in if you have some help. Frame adjustments should be made with the baby out. Remember that babies sometimes stand in back carriers and take this into account as you make adjustments.
- Practice carrying baby around in his baby back carrier; your muscles will get used to it and baby will too.
A baby back carrier is an excellent choice when you have to take baby with you but need to leave your hands free. There are even carriers on the market now that you can take hiking. It means that you can take baby out into the country for a long walk and some fresh air. Make sure to get the best that you can though – your baby will be much safer.